August 16, 2013

The Great CEO

A being a CEO is a tough job. It is lonely. It is always
front and center in your life. It is a juggling contest. It is so many
small details that manifest itself in a simple three letters, CEO. Great CEO's
are hard to find, rare beasts. The great ones deserve every penny they
make and they're a pleasure to partner and work with. Unfortunately, there
aren't that many great ones.

Most people should not be a CEOs or inspire to be. Some
people fall into the role because they are the last good person standing or
they are subject matter experts. They generally are average at best. If you
inspire to be a great CEO Brad Feld's post today and Fred Wilson's older post
will tell you everything you need to know. This list Brad posted today is brilliant.

1. Lead by example by holding myself and all accountable, no
matter how hard.

2. Set the overall vision and strategy of the company and
communicate it to all stakeholders.

3. Recruit, hire, and retain the very best talent and
inspire them.

4. Makes sure there is always enough cash in the bank.

5. Be the advocate for the customer over the company’s
short-term needs.

6. Drive the execution and evolve the operating system.

7. Champion the company and our mission to the world.

It is a simple list of items to manage, but hard to master.
Greatness is in mastery.